Suspendable pack

ABSTRACT

A suspendable pack has a cover that is secured to and overlies a pack. The cover is a comfortable seat cushion that is secured by straps to a top flap of the pack. The straps are adjustable to create a space that receives a seat. A person then has a comfortable place to sit, and the pack is out of the way of his feet, but still readily accessible. In a modified embodiment, the cover is a sheet that is sewn to the top flap in a manner that forms an open pocket that receives the seat. A pad can be inserted between the seat and the sheet. In a further embodiment, the cover is a plurality of adjustable straps that directly overlie the seat and that are secured to the pack.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention pertains to carrying packs, and more particularly to apparatus that suspends a pack from a seat.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] Hunters, wildlife photographers, and other outdoor enthusiasts frequently use packs to organize, store, and carry their gear into the field. Suitable packs come in a wide variety of sizes and configurations. The packs may be carried on the person's back or around his waist, as is well known.

[0005] Many hunters and photographers use tree stands so as to be high above the line of sight of approaching wildlife. Although advantageous for viewing purposes, tree stands are cramped and uncomfortable. Comfort is important, because the hunter or photographer must sit as motionless as possible, often for hours, in order not to spook any nearby animals.

[0006] Most tree stands have a seat of some sort, but many of the seats are unpadded and uncomfortable. Other seats have permanently attached foam cushions. Although relatively comfortable, the prior permanent cushions were subject to abuse. Because tree stands are often left up for weeks and even months, the permanent cushions were often destroyed by the elements or animals. Further, when the person returned to the tree stand, he often found the cushion wet or covered by ice or snow.

[0007] To avoid the problems with permanent cushions on tree stand seats, or with using a tree stand that did not have a cushioned seat, a person sometimes carried a loose cushion with him to a tree stand. The person was then assured of a dry and comfortable seat. However, the separate cushion presented bulky package that had to be carried along with his pack.

[0008] As mentioned, hunters and photographers are cramped while waiting in a tree stand. There is little, if any, room for arrow quivers, binoculars, clothing, and other necessary gear. Consequently, many hunters and photographers left their packs and other items on the ground at the base of the tree stand. That procedure required a later trip down and up the tree stand to retrieve any desired items. Not only was it a chore to climb down and up the tree stand, but also doing so inevitably disturbed nearby wildlife. If the person brought his pack up the tree stand with him, it competed for space with the person's feet. There was a constant danger that the pack would get kicked off the tree stand to the ground.

[0009] As a partial solution to having items handy, a person frequently loaded as much as possible into his pockets. That was not desirable, because the bulky items affected the person's movements, balance, and comfort. Another unsatisfactory solution was to hang a pack on a nearby tree limb, if one was available. Doing so often required cutting a limb. As a further disadvantage, a hanging pack could obscure the person's vision while waiting for game to come into view. It was also inconvenient to retrieve gear from the hanging pack without excessive movements.

[0010] Thus, a need exists for improvements in carrying equipment used with tree stands.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In accordance with the present invention, a suspendable pack is provided that unobtrusively but conveniently stores outdoor gear under a seat. This is accomplished by apparatus that includes a cover that overlies the seat and that suspends the pack under the seat.

[0012] The pack has a container portion and a top flap. According to one aspect of the invention, the top flap is permanently joined to one side of the container portion. A zipper joins the top flap to other sides of the container portion. The pack may be constructed with internal and external compartments for holding a wide variety of outdoor related items. Preferably, belts with interlockable clips are attached to the pack.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the cover is a comfortable seat cushion. The seat cushion may be made from any suitable material. To suspend the pack from the seat cushion, the cover includes a number of pairs of straps. One strap of each pair is connected to the pack, and the other strap is connected to the cushion. The straps of each pair are adjustably connected to each other by a buckle. The pairs of straps are so arranged that the cushion is adjustably spaceable from and generally parallel to the pack top flap.

[0014] In an alternate embodiment, D-rings are incorporated into the pack. Straps with buckles are connected to the cushion and looped through the D-rings for suspending the pack from the cushion. That design enables the cushion to be easily removed from the pack. If desired, the D-rings can be on the cushion, in which case the straps and buckles are connected to the pack.

[0015] In use, the suspendable pack is worn by a person in the same manner as a fanny pack by locking the belts around his waist. The suspendable pack is equally easily carried as a back pack. Upon reaching a desired seat, he unlocks the belts and removes the suspendable pack. He adjusts the straps by means of the buckles such that there is a space between the cushion and the pack that is a little greater than the thickness of the seat. The suspendable pack is slipped over the seat, with the seat entering the space between the cushion and the pack. When the cushion is fully over the seat, the pack is out of the way, yet readily accessible, under the seat. If desired, the belts can be clipped around a tree or other structure with which the seat is used.

[0016] In a modified embodiment of the invention, the cover is fixedly secured along three edges to the pack. A fourth edge of the cover is left unsecured so as to form an open pocket between the cover and the pack top flap. The suspendable pack is used by sliding the pocket over the seat. The cover, which may be high enough to accept a cushion, is then in place for comfortable sitting, and the pack is safely out of the way, but readily accessible, under the seat.

[0017] Further in accordance with the present invention, the pack can be suspended by a cover in the form of straps that are connected to and overlie the pack top flap. The straps may run either lengthwise or crosswise to the pack. The straps may be elastic or rigid. Further, the straps may be adjustable. The suspendable pack is used by sliding the pack under the seat with the straps overlying the seat or strapping them around the seat in other suitable manner. Hooks can also be used to suspend the pack from the seat. The straps can be adjusted to position the pack as close as desired to the underside of the seat.

[0018] The method and apparatus of the invention, using a cover that overlies a fanny pack or back pack, thus combines comfortable sitting with convenient and unobtrusive storage of outdoor gear. The probability of the pack being in the way of a person is remote, because the pack is readily accessible directly under a tree stand seat.

[0019] Other advantages, benefits, and features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the suspendable pack of the invention.

[0021]FIG. 2 is a front view of the suspendable pack of FIG. 1.

[0022]FIG. 3 is a side view of the suspendable pack of FIG. 1.

[0023]FIG. 4 is a side view of the suspendable pack of FIG. 1 in use with a typical tree stand.

[0024]FIG. 5 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the invention.

[0025]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of the invention.

[0026]FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

[0027]FIG. 8 is a view showing the suspendable pack of FIGS. 6 and 7 in use on a tree stand.

[0028]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a further modified embodiment of the invention.

[0029]FIG. 10 is a front view of the suspendable pack of FIG. 9.

[0030]FIG. 11 is a side view of the suspendable pack of FIGS. 9 and 10 in use on a tree stand.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention, which may be embodied in other specific structure. The scope of the invention is defined in the claims appended hereto.

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a suspendable pack 1 is illustrated that includes the present invention. The suspendable pack 1 (fanny pack or back pack) is particularly useful for carrying clothing, food, and other items associated with hunting, hiking, and similar activities. However, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to outdoor or sports related applications.

[0033] The suspendable pack 1 is comprised of a pack 3 and a cover 5 that suspends the pack from a selected seat. The pack 3 preferably is manufactured from a flexible material such as a durable canvas. It has a container portion 7 and a top flap 9. The container portion 7 has a bottom wall 11, front wall 13, back wall 15, and side walls 17 and 19. An accessory, such as a bottle holder 21, may be sewn to one of the side walls 17 or 19. A pair of belts 22 are attached, as by sewing, to the container portion, each proximate a corner between the back wall 15 and the side walls. The free ends of the belts 22 have interlocking clips 26.

[0034] In the preferred embodiment, the top flap 9 joins directly to the container portion 7 by the back wall 15, and by parts of the side walls 17 and 19 that are common to both the container portion and the top flap. The top flap has a front panel 23, top panel 24, and side panels 25 and 27. A zipper 29 joins the container portion front wall 13 to the top flap front panel 23, and the container portion side walls 17 and 19 to the top flap side panels 25 and 27, respectively. When the zipper 29 is unzipped, the top flap is openable relative to the container portion.

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover 5 for suspending the pack 3 comprises a seat cushion 33 and multiple pairs of straps 35. The cushion 33 may be a semi-rigid pad of comfortable material covered with a flexible and durable fabric. The cushion preferably has substantially the same size and shape as the top flap top panel 24. However, the cushion may be shaped to match the shape of a conventional seat, as will be explained shortly. One strap section 37 of each pair is sewn or otherwise connected to a side panel 25 or 27 of the top flap 9. A second strap section 39 is sewn to the cushion. Buckles 41 enable the strap sections 37 and 39 to be adjusted to vary the distance X between the cushion and the pack top flap.

[0036] The suspendable pack 1 is useful in two ways. First, the straps 35 can be tightened by means of the buckles 41 such that the cushion 33 lies on top of the top flap 9. Then the belts 22 are wrappable around a person's waist and locked by means of the clips 26. The suspendable pack thus functions as a fanny pack, enabling the person to carry items while leaving his hands free. If desired, the suspendable pack can be carried as a back pack instead of as a fanny pack.

[0037] A second function of the suspendable pack 1 is in conjunction with a seat, and especially with a seat of a tree stand. Also looking at FIG. 4, a conventional tree stand 45 has a platform 47, back brace 49, seat 51, cables 53, and ties 55. The tree stand 45 is used in the way appropriate to it, and it forms no part of the present invention. Typically, the tree stand is secured to a tree 57 by the ties 55, with the back brace 49 against the tree. The straps 35 of the suspendable pack are loosened such that there is a space 59 of a distance X between the cushion 33 and the pack 3. The distance X is slightly greater than the thickness of the tree stand seat 51. Then the suspendable pack is slipped over the tree stand seat such that the seat enters the space 59. When the suspendable pack is fully on the seat, the belts 22 can be wrapped around the tree, and the clips 26 locked. The container portion 7 and the items carried in it are then safely on the tree seat and unobtrusively stored under the seat. At the same time, the items in the pack 3 are readily accessible merely by opening the zipper 29. Further, the person has a dry and comfortable cushion 33 on which to sit. As mentioned, the cushion may have the same size and shape as the seat.

[0038] Looking at FIG. 5, an alternate embodiment of the suspendable pack of the invention is shown at reference numeral 60. The alternate suspendable pack 60 is generally similar to the suspendable pack 1 described in connection with FIGS. 1-4, having a pack 3′, a cover 5′ in the form of a cushion 33′, and belts 22′. The pack 3′ of the suspendable pack 60 has a container portion 7′ and a top flap 9′. The pack 3′ is suspended from the cushion 33′ by sets of straps 62 and rigid D-rings 72. One end of each strap 62 is connected to the cushion 33′. A D-ring 72 is sewn to the pack top flap 9′ in alignment with each strap 62. The straps loop through the respective D-rings and are secured to themselves by buckles 76. If desired, the D-rings can be sewn to the cushion 33′, and the straps can be connected to the pack 3′. Rather than rigid D-rings, rings of flexible fabric, not illustrated, can be sewn to the cushion 33′ or to the pack top flap 9′ through which the straps 62 are looped. Further, Velcro hook and eye tape can be used in place of the buckles 76 for securing the straps 62 to themselves.

[0039] Turning to FIGS. 6 and 7, a modified suspendable pack 61 is shown. The suspendable pack 61 comprises a pack 63 and a cover 65 that suspends the pack from a selected seat. The pack 63 has a container portion 64 and a top flap 66. The container portion 64 has a back wall 67, side walls 69, a bottom wall 71, and a front wall 73. The container portion back wall 67 is common to the top flap 66. Belts 68 with clips 70 are sewn to the container portion side walls 69 near the back wall 67.

[0040] The top flap 66 has a top panel 74, a front panel 75, and side panels 77. A zipper 79 joins the top flap panels 75 and 77 to the container portion front and side walls 73 and 69, respectively.

[0041] The cover 65 for suspending the pack 63 comprises a flexible sheet 83 having three edges 85 and a fourth edge 87. The three sheet edges 85 are sewn to the pack top flap 66 near the corners of the top panel 74 with the front and side panels 75 and 77, respectively. The sheet fourth edge 87 is not sewn to the top flap. Accordingly, the sheet 83 and the top flap cooperate to form a three-sided pocket 89. A minimum height for the pocket 89 is the thickness of the tree seat 51 (FIG. 5). However, I prefer that the pocket have a height sufficient to accept a pad 91 that can be placed on top of the seat.

[0042]FIG. 8 shows the suspendable pack 61 in place on a tree stand seat 51. A pad 91 is between the sheet 83 and the seat. The belts 68 are wrapped around the tree 57. The pack 63 is readily accessible to a person on the tree stand 45, but at the same time the pack is out of the way of his feet.

[0043] The versatility of the present invention is further demonstrated in FIG. 8. The belt 68 of the suspendable pack 61 is furnished with one or more hooks 78. The hooks 78 provide additional capacity for the suspendable pack 61 to unobtrusively but conveniently store gear on the tree stand 45.

[0044] A further modified embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. A suspendable pack 93 has a pack 94 and a cover 96 for suspending the pack from a seat. The pack 94 comprises a container portion 95 and a top flap 97. A back wall 99 is common to the container portion 95 and to the top flap 97. A zipper 101 joins front wall 102 and side walls 107 of the container portion to front panel 109 and side panels 111, respectively, of the top flap. Belts 113 with lockable clips 114 are sewn to the container portion near the corners of the back wall 99 and the side walls 107.

[0045] The cover 96 for suspending the pack 94 comprises two or more straps 103 each with adjustable buckles 105. The straps 103 are sewn to the top flap side panels 111.

[0046] In use, the buckles 105 are adjusted such that the straps 103 are spaced from the top flap top panel 115 a distance sufficient to receive a tree stand seat 51, FIG. 11. The straps 103 can be shortened such that the top flap top panel 115 is up close against the underside of the seat 51. Alternately, as shown, the pack 94 is suspendable a short distance below the seat. In either case, the belts 113 are locked around the tree 57. The pack and its contents are readily at hand, but at the same time they are out of the person's way.

[0047] As described, the straps 103 are sewn to the top flap side panels 111. The present invention contemplates that the straps 103 are equally well sewn to the back panel 99 and to the front panel 109 of the top flap 97, i.e., perpendicular to the direction shown. Either design works very well to suspend the pack 94 from the tree stand seat 51.

[0048] In summary, the results and advantages of tree stands can now be more fully realized. The suspendable pack of the invention provides hunters and other outdoorsmen with both convenient carrying of their gear into the field, as well as unobtrusive storage of the pack under the tree stand seat. This desirable result comes from using the combined functions of the cover. The cover is a seat cushion with straps and buckles between the cushion and the pack top flap. The straps are adjustable to produce a space between the top flap and the cushion that is sufficient to receive the tree stand seat 51, with the cushion overlying the seat. The suspendable pack thus both provides a comfortable seat and stores the pack out of the person's way under the seat. A zipper between the top flap and a container portion provides the person with quick access to the contents of the pack without moving from his seat. A modified suspendable pack utilizes a pocket 89 that receives a tree stand seat 51. The pocket is formed by sewing a sheet 83 around multiple sides of the top flap. The pocket is preferably high enough to accommodate a comfortable pad 91 that overlies the seat. A further embodiment employs straps 103 sewn to opposite sides of the top flap. The straps 103 are long enough to overlie the tree stand seat with the pack under the seat. In all embodiments, the suspendable pack includes belts that enable a person to wear the suspendable pack around his waist and that also locks the pack to a tree 57 or the like.

[0049] It will also be appreciated that in addition to the superior performance of the present invention its construction is such as to cost little, if any, more than traditional back packs or fanny packs. Also, since a comfortable cushion is incorporated into the suspendable pack, the chore of carrying separate cushions into the field is eliminated.

[0050] Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the invention, a suspendable pack that fully satisfies the aims and advantages set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. 

I claim:
 1. A suspendable pack comprising: a. a pack that removeably holds selected items and comprises a container portion and a top flap joined to the container portion; and b. a cover secured to the top flap and spaced therefrom a distance sufficient to receive a selected seat therebetween.
 2. The suspendable pack of claim 1 wherein: a. the top flap has opposed side panels; and b. the cover is attached to the top flap opposed side panels.
 3. The suspendable pack of claim 2 wherein the cover comprises: a. a generally flat seat cushion; and b. a plurality of first straps connecting the seat cushion to the pack top flap, the first straps being adjustable to produce a space between the seat cushion and the top flap that is sufficient to receive the selected seat, so that a person can sit on the seat cushion and simultaneously the pack is unobtrusively stored beneath the selected seat.
 4. The suspendable pack of claim 2 further comprising belts attached to the container portion for locking around a selected object.
 5. The suspendable pack of claim 2 wherein the cover comprises a sheet that has multiple edges secured to the pack top flap and at least one edge that is unsecured to the top flap, the sheet and top flap cooperating to form a pocket that receives a selected seat, so that a person can sit on the sheet and simultaneously the pack is unobtrusively stored beneath the selected seat.
 6. The suspendable pack of claim 5 wherein the sheet is spaced from the top flap a distance that enables inserting a pad between the sheet and the selected seat.
 7. The suspendable pack of claim 2 wherein the cover comprises a plurality of second straps each connected at respective opposite ends to opposite side panels of the top flap, the second straps being adjustable to provide a space between the second straps and the top flap top panel sufficient to receive the selected seat therebetween, so that a person can sit on the second straps and simultaneously the pack is unobtrusively stored beneath the selected seat.
 8. The suspendable pack of claim 2 wherein the cover comprises: a. a generally flat seat cushion; b. a plurality of rings connected to a selected one of the pack top flap or the seat cushion; and c. a plurality of third straps each having a first end connected to the other of the selected one of the pack top flap or the seat cushion, the third straps cooperating with the respective rings to connect the seat cushion to the pack top flap, the third straps being adjustable to produce a space between the seat cushion and the top flap that is sufficient to receive the selected seat, so that a person can sit on the seat cushion and simultaneously the pack is unobtrusively stored beneath the selected seat.
 9. In combination with a generally horizontal seat having a predetermined size, shape, and thickness, a suspendable pack comprising: a. a cover overlying the seat; and b. a pack suspended from the cover and underlying the seat.
 10. The combination of claim 9 wherein: a. the cover comprises a seat cushion, and a plurality of first straps connected to the cushion and to the pack; and b. the pack comprises a container portion, and a top flap joined to the container portion and connected to the first straps.
 11. The combination of claim 10 wherein the first straps are adjustable to enable the pack to be suspended at a selected distance under the seat.
 12. The combination of claim 10 wherein the top flap has opposed side panels, and wherein the first straps are connected to the top flap side panels.
 13. The combination of claim 9 wherein the cover comprises a sheet having a plurality of first edges secured to the pack, and a second edge that is unsecured to the pack, the sheet and pack cooperating to form a pocket that receives the seat.
 14. The combination of claim 13 wherein the pocket has a height sufficient to accept a pad between the sheet and the seat.
 15. The combination of claim 13 wherein: a. the pack comprises a container portion, and a top flap joined to the container portion and having front and side panels, and a back wall that is common with a back wall of the container portion; and b. the cover first edges are secured to the top flap front and side panels.
 16. The combination of claim 9 wherein the cover comprises a plurality of second straps connected to the pack and overlying the seat.
 17. The combination of claim 16 wherein the second straps are adjustable to enable the pack to be suspended at a selected distance under the seat.
 18. The combination of claim 16 wherein: a. the pack comprises a container portion, and a top flap joined to the container portion and having front and side panels, and a back wall that is common with a back wall of the container portion; and b. the second straps are attached to the top flap side panels.
 19. The combination of claim 9 wherein: a. the pack comprises a container portion and a top flap joined to the container portion; and b. the suspendable pack further comprises a belt attached to the container portion for locking around a selected stationary object.
 20. The combination of claim 9 wherein: a. the pack comprises a container portion, and a top flap joined to the container portion; and b. the cover comprises a seat cushion, a plurality of third straps connected to a selected one of the pack top flap or the seat cushion, and a plurality of rings connected to the other of the selected one of the seat cushion or pack top flap, each strap being in operative association with a respective ring and cooperating therewith to suspend the pack at an adjustable distance from the seat cushion.
 21. A method of storing selected items comprising the steps of: a. providing a generally horizontal seat; b. providing a pack that holds the selected items and having a top flap; c. securing a cover to the pack top flap with a seat space of a predetermined distance between the cover and the top flap; and d. receiving the seat in the seat space between the cover and the top flap, so that a person can sit on the cover on the seat and the pack is suspended under the seat.
 22. The method of claim 21 wherein the step of securing a cover comprises the steps of: a. providing a seat cushion; and b. connecting a plurality of first straps to the seat cushion and to the top flap such that the seat cushion and the pack top flap cooperate to form the seat space therebetween.
 23. The combination of claim 22 comprising the further step of adjusting the first straps and changing the distance between the seat and the pack.
 24. The method of claim 21 wherein: a. the step of securing a cover comprises the steps of: i. providing a sheet having multiple edges; and ii. securing the sheet along multiple but not all edges thereof to the top flap such that the top flap and the sheet cooperate to form an open pocket therebetween; and b. the step of receiving the seat comprises the step of receiving the seat in the suspendable pack pocket.
 25. The method of claim 24 comprising the further step of inserting a pad between the suspendable pack sheet and the seat.
 26. The method of claim 21 wherein: a. the step of securing a cover comprises the steps of: i. providing a plurality of second straps; and ii. connecting the second straps to opposite sides of the top flap with a seat space of a predetermined distance between the second straps and the top flap; and b. the step of receiving the seat comprises the step of receiving the seat in the seat space between the top flap and the second straps.
 27. The method of claim 21 wherein the step of securing a cover comprises the steps of: a. providing a seat cushion; b. connecting a plurality of third straps to a selected one of the seat cushion or the pack; c. connecting a plurality of rings to the other of the selected one of the seat cushion or the pack; and d. looping the third straps through associated rings and securing each third strap to itself, so that the seat cushion, third straps, and rings cooperate with the pack top flap to form the seat space. 